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Decision time!!!!!!!!! Down to two stones - Please Help!!

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dallasstar12

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 17, 2009
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Hi all,

After a long search I am ready to make the final decision between 2 great stones and I am interested in hearing the opinions of what all of you pricescopers think.... Both stones are slightly over 2 carats, hearts & arrows, F, VS2, and rated AGS000. The only real difference is the proportions of the stones -

Stone A
Table: 57.0%
Crown Angle: 34.6
Crown Height: 14.9%
Pavilion Angle: 40.8
Pavilion Depth: 43.1%
Star Length: 54%
Lower Girdle Length: 76%
Total Depth: 60.8%

Stone B
Table: 53.9%
Crown Angle: 34.8
Crown Height: 15.9%
Pavilion Angle: 40.9
Pavilion Depth: 43.2%
Star Length: 51%
Lower Girdle Length: 79%
Total Depth: 61.3%

My biggest question is what the difference in proportions (such as the large variation of table size 57% compared to 53.9%) will have on the actual aesthetics of the diamond. I have no doubt that either one will be a great choice, but am just looking for some insight from all of you to help me make my choice!
 
Well, the smaller table will often mean more fire than a larger table (more complicated, but generaly speaking). Sp B *might* have more fire than A.

Longer Lower Girdle lengths will lead to thinner arrows and a more splitery look to the facet pattern. Also favours more white light return over fire. Stone B has 79% versus stone As 76%, so you might see a difference in the arrows and the bright white return.

But since the first point contradicts the second, I wonder if it wil lcancel out?
41.gif


Do you have ideal scope images of the diamonds? Or magnified pictures?

In the end, I think that these nuances are very very subtle. To the untrained eye these diamonds might be indistinguishable.
 
What are the mm measurements? Stone B has a bit more depth so it may face up smaller for ct weight, but it will be negligible.
 
just going by the #s....i'll take B,cuz i love the smaller table with a tall crown.
 
Both have real potential but as they are said to be h&a, do you have images of the hearts and arrows please?
 
Stone A measurements : 8.27 - 8.30 x 5.03
Stone B measurements : 8.37 - 8.40 x 5.14

I only have the IS for Stone B at this stage....

idealscope_a.jpg
 
I''d also vote for B - but only because I''m a sucker for the small tables.

I really don''t think you could go wrong with either of these stones - both will be lovely!
 
Date: 12/24/2009 12:19:08 PM
Author: dallasstar12
Stone A measurements : 8.27 - 8.30 x 5.03
Stone B measurements : 8.37 - 8.40 x 5.14

I only have the IS for Stone B at this stage....
looks like the new style ACA or an 8*
 
Thanks for all the replies so far....is there anyone out there who does NOT like small tables? It seems that the general consensus is that they look nice.

Another question between the two stones concerns crystals vs. feathers. Both stones are VS2 clarity. Stone A has some crystals plotted on the table of the stone while Stone B has (in my opinion) a rather large feather plotted partially on the table, as well as the AGS statement that "additional clouds and surface graining are not shown".

Unfortunately I have not been able to see the stones as I am working with an out of state dealer. I am interested in any opinions on whether either of these type of inclusions should definitely be avoided.

Thanks again and Happy Holidays!
 
My vote is for stone B, it looks good and its measurements are slightly larger. Its a VS so no worries about the inclusions. Of course just asking the question, "is it eye-clean" and if the answer is yes, then its a winner.
 
My vote is for stone A.
Stone A has longer star facets, I like it.
HCA scores 3 EX (only 1 EX for stone B).
Most important: B diamond has a painted girdle, so it won''t get the EX GIA cut grade.
But I really need an IdealScope picture of diamond A to confirm this choice.
 
Date: 12/26/2009 3:28:28 PM
Author: QueenMum
My vote is for stone A.
Stone A has longer star facets, I like it.
HCA scores 3 EX (only 1 EX for stone B).
Most important: B diamond has a painted girdle, so it won''t get the EX GIA cut grade.
But I really need an IdealScope picture of diamond A to confirm this choice.
QueenMum, you have raised an interesting point that I hadn''t thought of...based on the idealscope image, the stone does very much look to be painted. This concerns me due to all of the negative posts regarding painted girdles that I have read. The way I understand painted girdles is that stones that otherwise would not be categorized as "superideal," can be manipulated or painted in order to fall into this performance category. Is this understanding correct? If it is, then wouldn''t that mean that the stone isn''t actually cut as a superideal?
33.gif
(It was graded an AGS 000, but as I understand things, AGS will grade stones with painted girdles as ideal whereas GIA will not give it an excellent rating).

Regarding a painted girdle - is there a way to know for sure? (I understand that the idealscope image above has virtually no white around the outside which is a tell tale sign of a painted girdle, but is that actually 100% definitive of it being painted?) Does a painted girdle detract from the overall performance of the stone? value?
 
Date: 12/27/2009 4:20:56 AM
Author: dallasstar12
QueenMum, you have raised an interesting point that I hadn''t thought of...based on the idealscope image, the stone does very much look to be painted. This concerns me due to all of the negative posts regarding painted girdles that I have read. The way I understand painted girdles is that stones that otherwise would not be categorized as ''superideal,'' can be manipulated or painted in order to fall into this performance category. Is this understanding correct? If it is, then wouldn''t that mean that the stone isn''t actually cut as a superideal?
33.gif
(It was graded an AGS 000, but as I understand things, AGS will grade stones with painted girdles as ideal whereas GIA will not give it an excellent rating).
Why do cutters paint girdles? I don''t know! AGS still gives an ideal grade to painted stones if painting is inferior to a certain limit (6 degrees? not sure) but GIA wouldn''t give EX cut grade. This stone is painted, that''s sure, but I don''t know how many degrees. Can you tell us the date of the AGS certificate?
I will let experts answer your other questions.
 
The IS does look painted, which vendor has it? The thing is, if these are h&a and this is important to you, we really need the hearts images and the IS for both.
 
Hi all,

Its been some time since my last post... I have a few more images and would love to hear any thoughts on both diamonds...

Here is Stone A''s IS

IDS_AGS+2.09.jpg
 
Stone A - ASET

2.09 ASET_a.jpg
 
Stone A - Hearts Image

2.09 H_a.jpg
 
Stone B - IS

2.15 IDS_a.jpg
 
Stone B - ASET

2.15 ASET_a.jpg
 
Stone B - Hearts image

2.15 H_a.jpg
 
The price difference is not too much to really be a factor.

My main concern is the painting on Stone B and whether the darker tone will ultimately impact its overall performance. However, it is still a gorgous stone. They both are, which is the problem in deciding between them.

Anybody have any thoughts? Is painting on a diamond a deal breaker for any of you? It does make the stone look somewhat darker in tone, but still looks very fiery and seems to perform brilliantly. I need to decide asap so any insight, thoughts, etc. is MUCH appreciated!
 
Maybe you''re thinking too much...? Both seem like lovely stones, so picking either one wouldn''t hurt. Don''t stress out too much on it :)
 
Buy the cheaper one.
31.gif
 
Date: 1/11/2010 3:19:36 PM
Author: Hest88
Buy the cheaper one.
31.gif
Yes.
 
agreed!
 
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